Northern Essex to offer criminal justice degree online

Northern Essex Community College in Lawrence is now one of four Massachusetts community colleges offering an associate's degree in criminal justice through its online courses, according to the Massachusetts Colleges Online consortium.

NECC, Bunker Hill, Middlesex, and Quinsigamond community colleges will now share courses in the criminal justice curriculum .

"This partnership allows the community colleges to launch an online degree much more quickly and cost-efficiently," said David Kelley, executive director of Massachusetts Colleges Online.

The associate degree in criminal justice prepares students for careers in such fields as security, law enforcement, and corrections, he said.

It can also be used to help transfer to a bachelor's degree program.

RUSSELL CONTRERAS